Surviving Adolescence

Surviving the Teen Dog Phase: Tips to Help You Both Thrive

Adolescence can be a wild ride for dogs and humans alike! If you’re living with a teenage dog right now, take a deep breath, you’re not alone. 

Here are some practical ways to help you and your young canine buddy get through this sometimes-chaotic stage with your sanity (and your bond) intact.

🐾 Keep Up with Training Lessons

Stick with those training lessons! All those basic cues you learned in puppy class — watch, sit, down, stay — still matter. Keep practicing them every day.

If your dog suddenly struggles with a cue, try one of two things:

1️⃣ If it’s an essential behavior for daily life, take a step back and revisit the basics — think of it as starting fresh. Don’t worry: your dog will pick it back up faster this time around (even if it’s the second… or third… or fourth time!).

2️⃣ If it’s a fun trick or advanced skill that isn’t urgent, give it a break. Let your dog’s brain reset for a few weeks, then circle back for a quick refresher later.

🎾 Play, Play, Play!

Never underestimate the power of play. It’s one of the most underused tools in training and in building a great relationship with your dog. Make time for 5–10 minutes a day of your dog’s favorite game — tug, fetch, hide and seek, you name it!

Better yet, weave skills into your play. Games that teach cues, impulse control, or recall can be super effective and fun for you both.

Check out the Play With a Purpose Membership on Patreon to learn how to play in ways that encourage learning good behaviors.

🐕 Find the Right Exercise Balance

Teen dogs are often overflowing with energy, but finding the sweet spot for exercise is key. Too little, and all that pent-up energy can bubble over into mischief. Too much, and you risk turning your dog into a super-athlete who needs massive workouts just to cope.

What’s the best approach? Short, frequent play sessions throughout the day help burn energy without overdoing it. Mix in some enrichment that uses some mental energy, such as playing Find It Games. 

Save the long marathons for special adventures, not daily routine.

🌟 Stay Positive and Upbeat

Focus on everything your dog has learned and keep the training fun! The more enjoyable you are, the more your easily-distracted teen will want to stick with you. Be silly, be upbeat, and celebrate the little wins.

😂 Mistakes Happen — Laugh It Off

Every dog makes mistakes, especially adolescents. When your pup pulls a stunt that tests your patience, take a breath and try to find the humor in it later. Call a friend, share your story, and laugh about that moment you dashed outside in your pajamas to catch your runaway dog.

The more you can laugh, the easier it is to let go of frustration and move forward. After you’ve had your giggle, think about how you can prevent the same mishap next time with better management and a little extra training.

Remember: You don’t have to tackle the teenage dog stage alone! The Crazy Canine Adolescent Community is here to support you with tips, cheerleading, and a safe place to share the ups and downs. Come join us, we’re all in this together! 💛🐾

Summer Specials

Struggling with teaching your dog to walk on leash?

Check out these online resources!

The Creating the the Leash You Love Workshop is over 90 minutes of classroom based learning where you can learn how to set your leash training up for success.

(Original Price $20)

The Leash Manners E-Book describes multiple types of leash manners based on the environment you are walking in. This includes longline training for walking trails and open areas and teaching your dog to walk nicely through neighborhoods & community spaces. There are lots of games to play to teach leash skills such as heel and working around distractions. Most lessons have links to YouTube videos for additional help.

(Original price $18)

For the rest of July you can bundle these products for a 50% discount and get both great resources for $19! Just enter code SUMMERLOVE when you check out.

Purchase these at Patreon.com/YooperPawsofLove/Shop

But hurry, this offer expires July 31st!

Group Walk & Private Lesson Mini-Package for $200!

Our Group Walk Mini-Package includes 1 private session to ensure a proper harness longline set up and training on how to manage a long line, 1 private walk session with Belle or Azul to practice skills and 4 Group Walks to practice skills around other people and dogs. (Original Price $310)

Mini-Package Special costs $200 for 6 sessions total.

Group Walks are more than just walks! On each walk we will practice 1-3 new skills that help improve your leash manners and focus around distractions. Instead of working in a low distraction classroom setting, these classes take place in an outdoor learning environment so that you can practice skills in real life situations with other dogs who are participating in the same training vs trying to practice with KUJO who lives in your neighborhood and is always outside without a human.

Check out some of the lessons we learn on a group walk here.

The first private session can be scheduled at a time that works best for you.

Group Walks are taking place on Tuesday & Thursday nights at 6pm (weather permitting) and will move to 7pm when needed to beat the heat. Each week you can RSVP for the walk you able to attend, allowing for a more flexible summer schedule.

Classes & Private Sessions

All of our summer classes are currently running including the Pawsitively Puppy Class and FAD Adolescent Class for small dogs. We will soon be scheduling a Beginner Nosework Class for anyone interested in learning about searching for scent or tracking. Please reach out to us via our new email at dogtraining@yooperpaws.com If you are interested in taking Nosework Classes.

All other clients will be referred to Private Sessions at this time, starting with a full Behavior Evaluation Session. Get started here: First Session Info